The conference, which was entitled India – More than Curry, focused on India, the challenges it faces during its rapid economic growth and its innovative green supply chain management development with Germany. The University’s Maritime Logistics Faculty member, Professor Jens Froese, together with the Kieserling Stiftung Foundation, stressed the importance of India’s growth in the maritime industry.
The event highlighted the opportunities available to the conference’s 125 interest participants in terms of green and effective operations at the country’s terminals and ports.
Werner Heesen, co-founder of Werner Heesen Consulting GmbH and Director of Lufthansa German Airlines, said: “Major opportunity in India comes from the growing middle-class with increasing demand, while the major threat comes from the slow judicial system and unfocused approach to sustainability and infrastructure.”
Dr Daniel H Sharma, co-head of India Group Continental Europe, explained how the choice of industry sector, relevant market conditions, financial and HR resources and environmentally friendly operations are key for market entry by a German investor.
Professor Jens Froese, Kieserling Stiftung, Maritime Logistics at Jacobs University, added: “The economic and hence also the social development of India will very much depend on providing adequate transport infrastructure and logistics services. Sustainability will be a key issue when providing these.”